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Working with the Kenya Wildlife Service, Earthwatch volunteers participated in research to ensure the welfare of rhinos and other wildlife in protected sanctuaries.

In 1970, 20,000 black rhinos roamed Kenya. Today, as a result of extensive poaching, there are only about 540 left. The surviving rhinos are concentrated in sanctuaries where they are protected from poachers, and populations in these sanctuaries are increasing. In the future, rhinos from these critically important breeding populations may be reintroduced to their former homes.

Once the rhinos were under protection, scientists noted that some groups bred at a much higher rate than others. The Saving Kenya’s Black Rhinos project researched the causes of this and explored the habitat requirements and dynamics of the black rhino population at the Ol Pejeta refuge. The project also focused on the interactions between rhinos and other animals in the area, including elephants, giraffes, and other herbivores. The findings helped to determine how many rhinos and other large animals can coexist within a habitat before the habitat becomes damaged, resulting in lower breeding rates.

Earthwatch volunteers not only made a significant contribution to the welfare of black rhinos, they also enjoyed the opportunity to see the “big five” - elephant, rhino, buffalo, lion, and leopard - on a daily basis during afternoon and night game drives.

The facts

Location

Lead scientists

Why the research is important

Why the research is important

Earthwatch researchers gathered data to help make accurate predictions regarding damage to trees, available food, and other concerns.

Protecting wildlife is just a start; managing reserves ensures the welfare of species in the long term.

What will happen to Kenya’s wildlife reserves as populations of rhinos and other animals grow? Earthwatch researchers gathered data to help make accurate predictions regarding issues such as damage to trees, available food, and other concerns. Park managers use these predictions to determine how many animals can live in a given area, with the overall aim of maximizing black rhino breeding potential.

To determine just how many animals can sustainability inhabit an enclosed reserve, researchers developed a GIS map of the reserve and surrounding ranches, showing the amount of vegetation in the area over time. If rhinos and elephants were changing the amount of vegetation, the maps would clearly indicate the amount and type of change.

Earthwatch investigators also looked at questions such as: How have rhinos adjusted their home ranges since the reserve expanded? Have rhinos and other animals found enough to eat? Are elephants and rhinos competing for space? Are giraffes competing for food with rhinos or elephants?

This project investigated habitat issues pertinent to conservation of black rhinos in Kenya.

In addition to conducting research on rhinos and elephants, the scientists and volunteers investigated the declining population of Jackson’s hartebeest. The findings suggested that the hartebeest might be declining because of predators in the area.

About the research area

Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Nanyuki, Kenya, Africa

The Ol Pejeta Conservancy was created in 1989 as a sanctuary for black rhinos relocated from other sites in Kenya. Now, with 80 black rhinos, it has one of the highest populations in Kenya. Located about 160 miles (260 kilometers) north of Nairobi, it is on a loop that tour operators follow when taking visitors around Kenya.

The Laikipia Plateau is a lava plateau used almost entirely for cattle and sheep ranching. The vegetation in the reserve is a mosaic of grassland and woodlands, featuring acacia and euclea trees. Wildlife is plentiful and diverse, and includes zebras, warthogs, gazelles, and baboons, in addition to the big five.

Ol Pejeta Conservancy, Nanyuki, Kenya

Daily life in the field

Itinerary

Days 3–6: Monitor rhino and hartebeest, collect and examine insects and vegetation

Day 7: Visit local community projects

Days 8–11: Same as Days 3–6

Day 12: Same as Day 7

Days 13–14: Same as Days 3–6

Day 15: Departure

The volunteers were trained in the use of the compass, GPS unit, telescopic tree height measuring device, quadrant, clinometer, and laser rangefinder. They learned how to move quietly through the bush, navigate to a tree plot, find individual trees, measure tree heights, and record the data. They also learned to identify the 15 tree and shrub species that make up the main vegetation types of the reserve and ranch.

On the afternoon of Day 2, the volunteers went into the bush with two armed guards from the research center and the Earthwatch scientist or field team leader. They learned how to recognize birds and tracks and other signs of mammals. They were then assigned to groups to work in rotation on data collection, including elephant habitat use and distribution; measurement of tree growth and damage; monitoring of rhinos, Jackson’s hartebeest, and other wildlife; and interactions between acacias and the ants that live on them.

On recreational days, the volunteers visited local communities to learn about their culture and the role conservation plays in funding development and improving livelihoods. The volunteers heard talks from livestock and community managers, and visited a local village, a school, a health center, and a cooperative of women who sell handmade yarn, rugs, and sweaters.

Accommodations and Food

Accommodations and Food

Camp consists of several simple buildings erected on a large clearing in Budongo Forest. You'll stay in a single room that contains a bed, beddings, mosquito net, reading desk and a chair. All rooms are connected to solar electricity. There are three pit latrines on site which are shared by all. You'll have access to a warm shower, every evening after a long day's work. Water used at camp is harvested off the roofs or taken from the Sonso River so frugal use is necessary.

Evening meals are prepared by cooks who will prepare dishes including rice, chapati, potatoes, spaghetti, beans, beef, fish, ground nuts (peanuts), cow peas, assorted fresh vegetables and fruits, eggs. There are other local foods such as cassava, stewed bananas (locally known as matooke) and maize bread (locally known as ugali or posho). Breakfast will be western style.